Page 1 of 7 SUBJECT: Revised Transmission Fluid and Fluid/Filter Change Recommendations Announcement of Allison/Castrol TranSynd Synthetic Fluid EQUIPMENT AFFECTED: AT 500 Series MD 3000 Series 1000 Series MT 600 Series HD 4000 Series 2000 Series HT 700 Series B 3/4/500 Series 2400 Series 2000 MH Introduction: Optimum performance and reliability of heavy-duty automatic transmissions can be noticeably influenced by the type of fluid used and the frequency with which that fluid is changed. Allison Transmission Division and General Motors have designed extensive programs including specifications and tests to verify the quality of fluids and consequently have specific fluid and filter change recommendations. Due to field studies, changes in emission requirements, vehicle design, and operating environments, Allison Transmission has realigned recommended fluid and filter change intervals to more closely match the operating environments heavy-duty automatic transmissions are found in today. Allison Transmission has also entered into a joint partnership with Castrol Ltd. to offer a new option when selecting transmission fluid. Customers may continue to choose from a wide variety of approved DEXRON -III or Allison C4 quality fluids or they may elect to switch to TranSynd or TES 295 equivalent and extend drain intervals. TranSynd is a synthetic, DEXRON -III/C4 fluid. Effective with the release of this SIL, the following schedules list current fluid and filter change recommendations based upon vocation. Local conditions, severity of operation or duty cycle may require more or less frequent fluid change intervals that differ from the published recommended fluid change intervals of Allison Transmission. Transmission protection and fluid change intervals can be optimized Refer to Allison publication number GN2055, Technicians Guide to Automatic Transmission Fluid for additional information on oil analysis and general knowledge about engine oils and transmission fluids. SG/mmw Allison Transmission Division General Motors Corporation Indianapolis, IN 46206-0894 Copyright 2001 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Page 2 of 7 Modified Fluid and Filter Change Intervals: Initially when the OEM or customer fills the transmission with TranSynd or TES 295 equivalent, the modified schedule of Schedule 3 must be used due to the mixture of DEXRON -III and TranSynd. DEXRON -III fluid is present in the transmission due to factory assembly. After the recommended mileage, time, or hours of Schedule 3 have elapsed, the customer may follow the recommended fluid and filter change intervals of Schedule 2. WT/AT/MT/HT Transmissions Allison Transmission requires the following initial filter change intervals: Availability: TranSynd fluid is available from the Allison Distributor/Dealer network. TranSynd fluid is available in: 1. 1 Gallon Containers (6 per case) 2. 5 Gallon Pail 3. 55 Gallon Drum 4. 275 Gallon Tote 5. Bulk WT Main/Lube 5000 miles (8000 km)/200 hours AT Auxiliary Filter 5000 miles (8000 km)/200 hours MT Auxiliary Filter 5000 miles (8000 km)/200 hours HT Main External Filter 5000 miles (8000 km)/200 hours 1000/2000/2400 Series Spin-On Control Main Filter 5000 miles (8000 km) NOTE: For quantities other than listed, contact your local Allison or Castrol Dealer or Distributor.
WT Series NOTE: The following recommendations in Schedule 2 are based upon the transmission containing 100% of TranSynd fluid. For transmissions that contain a mixture of TranSynd and non-transynd fluids, refer to Schedule 3. WT Filter change intervals in Schedule 2 are only valid with the use of Allison Transmission supplied filters. NOTE: WT Filter change intervals in Schedule 3 are only valid with the use of Allison Transmission supplied filters. Page 3 of 7 published recommended fluid change intervals of Allison Transmission. Transmission protection and fluid change intervals can be optimized by the use of fluid analysis.
1000/2000/2400/2000 MH Series Fluid Control Main Internal Lube/Auxiliary Fluid Control Main Internal Lube/Auxiliary (80 000 km) NOTE: The following recommendations in Schedule 2 are based upon the transmission containing 100% of TranSynd fluid. For transmissions that contain a mixture of TranSynd and non-transynd fluids, refer to Schedule 3. Flushing Machines are not recommended or recognized due to variation and inconsistencies with ensuring removal of (160000 km) Severe Vocation: On/Off Highway, Refuse, City Transit, Shuttle Transit, and 2000MH models. General Vocation: All other vocations. Page 4 of 7
AT Series NOTE: * The following recommendations in Schedule 2 are based upon the transmission containing 100% of TranSynd fluid. For transmissions that contain a mixture of TranSynd and non-transynd fluids, refer to Schedule 3. * ** * * ** ** When an Allison recommended high-efficiency filter is used, the change interval is until the Change Filter light indicates the filter is contaminated or until it has been in use for 3 years, whichever occurs first. No mileage restrictions apply. High-efficiency filters are only approved for use with AT/MT/HT Series. Page 5 of 7
MT Series NOTE: * * The following recommendations in Schedule 2 are based upon the transmission containing 100% of TranSynd fluid. For transmissions that contain a mixture of TranSynd and non-transynd fluids, refer to Schedule 3. * * ** ** ** When an Allison recommended high-efficiency filter is used, the change interval is until the Change Filter light indicates the filter is contaminated or until it has been in use for 3 years, whichever occurs first. No mileage restrictions apply. High-efficiency filters are only approved for use with AT/MT/HT Series. Page 6 of 7
HT Series NOTE: * The following recommendations in Schedule 2 are based upon the transmission containing 100% of TranSynd fluid. For transmissions that contain a mixture of TranSynd and non-transynd fluids, refer to Schedule 3. * 2400 Hours ** * * ** ** When an Allison recommended high-efficiency filter is used, the change interval is until the Change Filter light indicates the filter is contaminated or until it has been in use for 3 years, whichever occurs first. No mileage restrictions apply. High-efficiency filters are only approved for use with AT/MT/HT Series. Page 7 of 7